We are bummed that we could not host Experience 2020 this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but we can bring some of the speakers and professional development resources to you through Mini Sessions. See them all here.
Experience 2020 on June 4-5 has been canceled. We look forward to seeing you later in the year for Experience Leadership or Experience Outside and again at the conference in 2021.
Endurance
Your career isn’t a sprint; it’s a marathon. In order to finish the race, you need tools to grow through personal and professional challenges. You’ll find that at Experience 2020.
New for 2020! Add a professional development certificate workshop or outdoor excursion before the conference. (Learn more here.)
The professional development and leadership conference provides an authentic environment to brainstorm and connect with national and regional speakers. It’s a resource for connecting, empowering, attracting, and retaining talent. In addition to the annual conference, Experience includes Leadership and Outside events throughout the year.

June 4-5, Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center
The leadership conference includes a full day of conference activities with a half-day option to add a professional development deep-dive or an outdoor excursion!
Speakers and sessions include:
- Passion Forward, Mirna Valerio
- How You Say It: Negotiations in Life and Work (from a former FBI hostage negotiator), Gary Noesner
- How to Up Your Game on Nutrition: Practical Performance Nutrition to Fuel Your Busy Life (practical lessons from a dietician and former college athlete)
- Grow Your Career with Your Current Company (you don’t have to move to advance)
- What Do You Meme Meeting Facilitation
- Women in Leadership “Fireside Chat”
- You Have the Degree, Now You Need (the Right) Experience: Help!
- Event Emcees: Oreo Brothers
for Young Professionals
Gain a greater awareness of the path to leadership and its impact on your organization and professional performance. Connect with regional leaders and national speakers, define your professional narrative, and align your values and strengths with career goals.
Tell your boss why you want to come
for Business Leaders
Experience is a valuable way to attract and retain people dedicated to our region and committed to success. Experience is an opportunity to get in front of 1,000+ engaged young professionals with a connection to the Roanoke Region.
Upcoming Events
Experience Outside: Yoga & Climbing
When: Feb. 25, 6 p.m., The River Rock
LEARN MORE
Experience Leadership: Confidence in Decision-Making, sponsored by JMU MBA Program
When: March 19, 11:30 a.m., Green Goat
LEARN MORE
Experience Leadership: Learn to Be a Regional Ambassador (Blue Ridge Marathon Talent Lounge)
When: April 17, 2 p.m.
Experience Outside: Cheering and Cheersing (hike to Mill Moutain Star to support Blue Ridge Marathon runners)
When: April 18, 8 a.m.
Experience Outside: Camping at Jamison Mill + Gravel Bike Rides (with Franklin County Parks and Recreation)
When: April TBA
Experience Leadership: Process Improvement
When: May TBA
Sponsors
Thank you to the business partners that make our events possible.
Follow Us on Social Media
Keep up with the Roanoke Region community of young professionals using #XPYP.
Experience, the Roanoke Regional Partnership’s signature talent event, partners with regional businesses to focus on talent attraction, retention and professional development. The conference and year-round events build upon the region’s livability narrative and bring together young professionals and leaders to strengthen the Roanoke Region business community.
Contact Erin Burcham to learn more.